The Union College Department of Athletics along with the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) announced Monday that the Friday, March 7 game vs. RPI will be televised on NESN, the YES Network, and Leafs TV as part of the ECAC's Championship Hockey television package. The game will air live at 7pm on NESN, and on tape-delay on the YES Network (9pm, March 7) and Leafs TV (12pm, March 8).
“I am happy to announce that Phil Buttafuocco, ECAC Commissioner, has informed me that the RPI vs. Union game on Friday night will be televised on NESN, the YES Network and Leafs TV,” said Union Director of Athletics Val Belmonte. “We are thrilled and honored that the ECAC recognizes the accomplishments of the Union hockey program this season and how special this series is with our cross-town rivals. Televising play-off games leading to the championship will give the league an opportunity to showcase the best conference in college hockey…the ECAC.”
The Dutchmen will host the best-of-three series for the first time in their Division I history after placing sixth in the conference. With the first four seeds receiving a bye, Union will host Capital District rival Rensselaer (11th place) in the series to be played at Achilles Rink. Game time is set for 7pm Friday and Saturday (Sunday, if necessary).
“Union College is extremely excited to have the opportunity to host a first round ECAC hockey play-off series,” said Belmonte. “We are all very proud of the team's regular season performance. This home play-off series marks a significant achievement in the history of our men's ice hockey program and it sets a benchmark for future teams to strive for.”
This will be the second time the Engineers have visited Achilles this season, with the two teams skating to a 3-3 tie back in January. Belmonte is happy to see the rivalry renewed again this season.
“It is fitting that our opponent for our first ever Division I play-off series with be our cross-town rivals. We are anxiously looking forward to having the engineers of RPI in the confines of Achilles Rink. The Capital District college hockey fans will be in for a great series.”